2005 THAILAND BIRD REPORTS

Bird Conservation Society of Thailand Bulletin (BCST Bulletin)

RECENT REPORTS
November - December 2005

An Oriental Darter on a water body near the Phuket Municipal Rubbish
Tip on 25 December (SW) accords with the pattern of increased sightings of many
medium to large waterbirds in the peninsula. A Great Cormorant was seen
at Nong Bong Khai on 13 December (KS). A Grey Heron bearing a metal ring,
thought to be of Russian origin, was photographed at Laem Phak Bia on 5 December
(PN). A Milky Stork with 36 Painted Storks was reported from Wat
Kusalot (Ayutthaya) on 22 November (SS). The long-staying Milky Stork in
Buriram Province was still present at Huai Talat on 24 December (KS). 48
Glossy Ibises roosting at Ko Wat, Bung Boraphet (Nakhon Sawan) on 10
November (PKh,SS), is the largest number yet recorded. Eight Glossy Ibises
were also noted on 18 December (SM).

There were five Ruddy Shelducks at Laem Phak Bia (Phetchaburi) on 4
December (WC/WRD), and 20 December (TS); with five more at Khao Sam Roi Yot on 6
December (CK). Bung Boraphet also held 7 Ruddy Shelducks and one
Common Shelduck on 18 December (SM). 12 Comb Ducks at Huai Talat
(Buriram) during 21–23 December (SP per WS) is the largest number recorded in
recent years. KS identified these as five males and seven females on 24
December.

There were five Northern Pintails at Laem Phak Bia on 20 December
(TS), and 11 at Huai Talat on 24 december (KS). Two female Gadwalls, 16
Tufted Ducks, 6 Baer's Pochards, 7 Ferruginous Pochards, 12
Common Teals and 80 Spot-billed Duck were counted on Nong Bong
Khai (Chiang Rai) on 5 December (KS), and at least ten Tufted Ducks, 2
Gadwalls and one probable FalcatedDuck on 12 December
(WB,RK). Three Northern Shovelers were seen at Pak Thale (Phetchaburi) on
18 November (PE,TM) and 20 November (SM).

There were four Black Bazas and a Eurasian Sparrowhawk at
Phuping Palace, Doi Suthep-Pui (Chiang Mai) on 24 November (CT). There was also
a female Eurasian Sparrowhawk at at Cho Lae on 26 November (AJ) and 11
December (KS). Northern Goshawks were noted from Doi Ang Khang (Chiang
Mai) on 10 December (TS) and Cho Lae, Mae Taeng (Chiang Mai) on 10 December (a
female; KS). At Khao Yoi (Phetchaburi) at least one juvenile Greater Spotted
Eagle was photographed on 13–14 November (CC); a juvenile pale morph ("fulvescens")
among four Greater Spotted Eagles and one juvenile Steppe Eagle on
26 November (PH, CK,PNi), one juvenile Imperial Eagle on 20 November (CK)
and two juvenile Imperial Eagles on 27 December (KS). One juvenile
Imperial Eagle and two juvenile Greater Spotted Eagles were also
found at Kusalot, Sena District (Ayutthaya) 11 December (ThS). A juvenile
Imperial Eagle was also seen over paddies between Nakhon Pathom and
Suphanburi on 10 November (MD & DD) and a Greater Spotted Eagle at Nong
Bong Kai on 17 December (MD & DD).

A pale morph Booted Eagle was reported from Khao Yoi on 18 November
(PK). A dark morph Booted Eagle, with a bulging crop, was observed over
ricefields at Ban Pong Salot (Petchaburi) on 6 December (SK, CK). There was a
remarkable concentration of c. 122 roosting harriers, mainly Eastern Marsh
Harriers, near Kusalot on 25 November (CK). This roost probably dispersed
soon after, as most ricefields in Sena are nowadays planted with irrigated
'super-rice', cutting short the fallow period in the early winter. Another
harrier roost on the south side of Nong Bong Khai, near Wat Jin, held c. 199
harriers, of which at least 100 were Pied Harriers, including 60 in
definitive male plumage, on the evening of 23 December (MD & DD). A further
harrier roost at Sob Ruak (Chiang Saen) held 48 harriers, almost all Pied
Harriers, when first found on 30 November, and 47 birds on 10 December (MD &
DD). Common Kestrels were reported from Doi Ang Khang on 10 December
(KS), Cho Lae on 10 December (KS), and Ban Sang (Prachinburi) on 13 December
(AJP,PDR).

A male White-rumped Falcon was reported from an uncharacteristically
high elevation when it flew over a deforested montane area on Doi Pha Hom Pok on
14 December (MD & DD).

A summary of monthly raptor reports, compiled by the Thai Raptor Group, is
presented in the following table.

Seven White-browed Crakes were seen near Nong Bong Khai—a new
locality—over five days during 19-23 December (MD & DD). Eight Grey-headed
Lapwings flew west over Bang Pu (Samut Prakan) on 28 November (SN,AJP,PDR).
A Northern Lapwing appeared on the Mekhong River at Rim Khong, Chiang
Saen on 12 December (WB, RK). There were at least 1160 Black-tailed Godwits
and five Red Knots at Bang Pu on 28 November (AJP,PDR), and 25
Nordmann's Greenshanks and 7 Asian Dowitchers at Khok Kham (Samut
Sakhon) on 2 December (SD). Six Nordmann's Greenshanks were seen
between Pak Thale and Laem Phak Bia on 20 December (TS). Ten Nordmann's
Greenshanks and 30 Asian Dowitchers were present at Khok Kham on 26
December (SD). Five Red-necked Phalaropes, four Pied Avocets and
two Ruffs were seen at Pak Thale, 18 November (SM). on 18 November (SM).

A single Spoon-billed Sandpiper at Khok Kham on 5 December (SD) was
possibly the third different individual seen at the site during the winter so
far. It was certainly not the leg-flagged individual reported previously, and
was said to be flying rather weakly, and possibly ailing. The last sightings was
on 14 December (SD). At Pak Thale there was a single Spoon-billed Sandpiper
and three Red-necked Phalaropes on 1 December (PN); one each of
Spoon-billed Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope on 20 December (TS).
and eight Spoon-billed Sandpipers, one of the highest ever counts, on 27
December (SB,SD).

There were at least 500 Small Pratincoles on the Mekong River at
Chiang Saen on 12 December (WB, RK). Two Beach Thick-knees were
photographed on Ko Surin (Phang-nga) on 205 December (CK,SK, et al.).
There was an adult Slender-billed Gull at Bang Pu on 28 November (AJP)
and at least one first-winter Pallas's Gull at Laem Phak Bia on 20
December (TS). The third winter Lesser Black-backed Gull (reported in the
previous issue) was still present at Laem Phak Bia on 1 December (PN).
Photographs taken clearly show it to be moulting its primaries (the three
outermost primaries were still old). 36 Caspian Terns were counted at
Khao Sam Roi Yot on 6 December (CK). 50 Lesser Crested Terns and a single
Brown Noddy were reported off Ko Surin (Phang-nga) on 5 December 2005
(CK, SK et al.). The Noddy was said to be settled on the water. Ko Surin
also held 9 Large Green Pigeons in addition to Pied Imperial Pigeons
and Nicobar Pigeon. An Indian Cuckoo was seen on Ko Surin on
during 3–5 December (CK, SK et al.).

The flock of 50 Blossom-headed Parakeets near Inthanon Highland Resort
during 24–28 November (PE) seems to be a more or less annual occurrence in early
winter. Two Short-eared Owls were seen on Sukhothai Airport on 29
December (NP, per RK).

12 Dusky Crag Martins were found at Pha Khob, ~1,350 m asl, Phu Luang
Wildlife Sanctuary (Loei) on 18 December (CK,DP). At least two Brown-rumped
Minivets and a flock of 30 Striated Yuhinas were seenat 950
m, Kaeng Krachan, on 12 December (CK). There was a male Daurian Redstart
on Doi Ang Khang on 10 December (KS) and 12 December (CT), and a male
Blue-fronted Redstart at the entrance to the Kiew Mae Phan Trail, 2,000 m,
Doi Inthanon, on 13 December (TS). Sulphur-breasted Warbler was reported
from 950 m, Kaeng Krachan on 12 December (CK). A Common Starling was seen
at Fang on 21 November (MD & DD). There were 28 Black-headed Greenfinches
on Doi Ang Khang on 10 December (KS) and two at Doi Pha Hom Pok on 16 December
(MD & DD). 50 Crested Buntings were counted on Doi Pha Hom Pok on 16
December (MD & DD).

Late records: Khao Yai, 11 October (PB): White-throated Needletail,
two; a single large flock of 130 Hill Mynas.

Reprieve for Mae Yom National Park?

A statement by Prime Minister Taksin Shinawatra that the long-mooted Kaeng
Sua Ten Dam will not now be built was a welcome Christmas present for the
inhabitants of Sa-iab District, Phrae Province, and for wildlife
conservationists who have argued that the reservoir, which would have been
situated on the Yom River inside Mae Yom National Park, would inundate one of
the last significant areas of teak-dominated mixed deciduous forest remaining
anywhere in the country. This can hardly be said to represent a U-Turn on
mega-dams by the government, which is actively pushing the idea of other hydro
dams, including one on the Salween River. But perhaps it is a hopeful sign.

Another road proposed in Western Forest Complex

Meanwhile, the closest approach to wilderness remaining in Thailand, the
western forest complex, was under renewed threat from yet another road proposal.
Less than a year after a major east-west road (from Khlong Larn to Umphang) was
proposed, and apparently put on hold due to environmental concerns, the Public
Works, Town and Country Planning Department is pushing to build a north-south,
four-lane highway through Thung Yai Wildlife Sanctuary, linking Kanchanburi's
Sangkhlaburi District with Umphang District, Tak Province. Such a road would
carve out the heart of the only area potentially large enough to support viable
populations of large mammals, including tigers. It is ironic that, just having
admitted Khao Yai as a World Heritage Site, the government should be considering
a development that would be the death knell for the only other nature
conservation site to qualify for World Heritage status.

The environment minister, Mr Yongyuth Tiyapairat, has asked the Department of
National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation to examine the possible impact
of the proposed road.

(Source: Bangkok Post, 14 December 2005)

RECENT REPORTS
October – November 2005

Besides the usual spate of records from coastal localities around Bangkok,
and raptor records from site in the peninsula, we also have a number of
interesting range extension and records of scarce species from little-watched
areas along the Mekong River in the lower north-eastern provinces. Note that,
because of the large number of raptor records received, we have simply pasted in
tables of additional sightings following those in this text account.

As ever, publication in Recent Reports does not necessarily signify
acceptance by the BCST Records Committee, and anybody wishing to cite records of
scarce or unusual species should first check their authenticity with the
committee.

46 Spot-billed Pelicans flew south over Pak Plee (Nakhon Nayok) on 13
November (PN). A juvenile Malayan Night Heron turned up at 1600 m on Doi
Suthep on 16 October (DK), a presumed migrant at this uncharacteristic location
and elevation. A possible Milky Stork was reported on fish-ponds at Tha
Yang (Phetchaburi) with six Grey Herons on 22 October (SW). In view of the
possibility of hybrids between Milky and Painted Storks, or aberrant-plumaged
"leucistic" Painted Storks, it is desirable that all reports of Milky Storks be
properly documented.

There were 60 Painted Storks between Khao Yoi and Wat Khao Takhrao
(Phetchaburi) on 30 October and another 21 birds on ponds at Laem Phak Bia on 31
October (AR,WS). On 5 November there were still at least 25 Painted Storks
around Wat Khao Takhrao (JEM,AJP,WS et al.) and, on 6 November, around
ten at Laem Phak Bia (JEM,AJP,WS et al.). A juvenile Black Stork
at Khao Yoi (Phetchaburi) on 12 November (STh) was the first record for the
Lower Central Plains. There was a single Black-headed Ibis at Wat Khao
Takhrao on 30 October (AR,WS), while eight Black-headed Ibises flew south
over Kaem Ling Nong Yai (Chumphon) on 6 November (CN). Ospreys were
reportedat Khong Chiam (Ubon Rathchathani) on 9 October (DP,VPh,AR,WS),
Ban U-Tapao (Chumphon) on 17 October (CN) and Thung Kha Bay (Chumphon) on 9
November (CN,SDW). 380 Black Bazas
flew SW over Khok Kham, during the late afternoon of 28 October (SN,NY);650
Black Bazas were detected near Phetchaburi on 30 October (ART,WS), and 600
passed over Na Thung (Chumphon) on 11 November together with 154 Oriental
Honey-buzzards, 13 Chinese Sparrowhawks, 22 Japanese Sparrowhawks
and 8 Grey-faced Buzzards (CN). A bird identified as a juvenile
Crested Serpent Eagle flew through, apparently on passage, at U-Tapao on 19
October (CN). A juvenile Steppe Eagle was reported together with 100
Black Kites between Wat Khao Takhrao and Khao Yoi (Phetchaburi) on 30
October (WS,AR).

Greater Spotted Eagles were seen at Na Thung on 11 November (one
adult; CN); over U-Tapao (four on 13 November; CN), and an immature Eastern
Marsh Harrier at Thung Kha Bay on 9 November (CN,SDW).

A Common Buzzard flew over Na Thung (Chumphon) on 31 October (CN). A
number of Rufous-winged Buzzards were seen in both Pha Taem National Park
(Ubon) and Mukdahan National Park (Mukdahan) during 9–15 October (DP, VPh, AR,
WS). A juvenile Amur Falcon was reported from Doi Inthanon on 30 October
(RK) and Eurasian Kestrels from Khong Chiam (Ubon) on 10 October
(DP,VPh,AR,WS) and Chumphon Technical College on 29 October (CN). Single
Peregrine Falcons
were seen at two localities at Khong Chiam, in Pha Taem National Park on 10
October (VPh) and Pha Cha Na Dai on 11 October (AR), with others at Laem Phak
Bia on 21 October (KS) and near Khao Yoi (Phetchaburi) on 5 November (JM,SN,
AJP, WS). The burgeoning number of other raptor observations is presented in the
tables below.

A Little Stint was reported at Khok Kham on 22 October (AJ) and a
partial breeding plumage Dunlin was seen at Ban Pak Thale on 16 October
(KS). By 28 October, there were three Dunlin, a Spoon-billed Sandpiper
and five Nordmann's Greenshanks (PS), and 7 Nordmann's Greenshanks
on 340 October (AR,WS). By 6 November, the ratios had changed, with only one
Dunlin, but three Spoon-billed Sandpipers and at least ten
Nordmann'sGreenshanks (SN, P& PS, PDR et al.). There were an
estimated 2,000 Red-necked Stints between Laem Pak Bia and Pak Thale on 6
November, most of which were concentrated at Pak Thale (JMSN,PDR); 50 Red
Knots at Laem Phak Bia on 31 October (AR,WS), and 120 Great Knots and
three Red Knots on 6 November (P& PS). 250 Black-tailed Godwits
were counted at Wat Khao Takhrao on 5 November (JM,SN,PDR), with another 185
Black-tailedGodwits and 50 Bar-tailed Godwits, and a single
tight roosting flock of 196 Eurasian Curlews on ponds between Laem Phak
Bia and Pak Thale on 6 November (JM,SN,PDR). 26 Common Greenshanks were
counted at Kaem Ling Nong Yai on 6 November (CN) and 30 Common Redshanks
at Thung Kha Bay on 9 November (CN,SDW). 29 Asian Dowitchers and a
Pied Avocet were reported from Khok Kham on 16 October (KS). There were two
Pied Avocets at Pak Thale on 21 October (KS); another Pied Avocet
at Wat Khao Takhrao on 5 November (BK, SN, AJP et al.) Red-necked Phalarope
were reported from Khok Kham on 18–22 October (SD, AJ), and Pak Thale on 21
October (KS) and 30 October (AR,WS). Two Eurasian Thick-knees were seen
near the Huai Sing Guard Station in Mukdahan National Park (Mukdahan) on 14
October (AR, VPh). The Eurasian Thick-knee at the Laem Phak Bia
Environmental Research and Development Project, reported previously, was still
present on 6 November (RD,JWKP,PS). Two Beach Thick-knees on a beach
promontory at Chaiya District (Surat Thani) on 22 October (BK) was a remarkable
find, as there are no other east coast records. The birds were not photographed
and no formal description was submitted, though the observer mentioned them as
being seen with plovers in driving rain. Four Great Thick-knees were seen
together with 14 River Lapwings on the Mekong at Kaeng Ka Bao, Ban Non
Bok, Na Tan Subdistrict (Ubon) on 13 October (DP, AR, WS, VPh). Additionally
another 8 River Lapwings were seen at Hat Salung, and ten more at Keng
Chang Mop. Surprisingly, in all the stretches of the Mekong River that were
covered, only a single Small Pratincole was encountered, at Keng Chang
Mop on 15 October (WS).

Numbers of Heuglin's Gulls at Laem Phak Bia rose from 14 on October
(AR,WS) to 25 on 6 November (many observers). A black-backed gull, white-headed
gull, smaller than accompanying Heuglin's Gulls, with a small rounded
head and rather small bill, first found on 21 October (AJ, RK, SK,KS), was
thought to be SE Asia's first genuine Lesser Black-backed Gull (also
known as Baltic Gull, Larus fuscus), a third-winter bird. It was
still present on 6 November (many observers). At least one first-winter
Pallas's Gull was also present during 21 October (SK,KS). Both
Slender-billed Gull and
Black-tailed Gull were reported (KS) but no details were supplied. There
were 18 Gull-billed Terns but only a single Caspian Tern between
Pak Thale and Laem Phak Bia on 30 October (AR,WS). Over 2000 Common Terns
were counted on ponds and salt-pans at Laem Phak Bia on 6 November (JM,SN,PDR).

There was a pair of Pink-necked Pigeons at Chumphon Provincial Sports
Stadium on 12 October (CN); twenty Pale-capped Pigeons at Thung Kha Bay
on 24 October (AL) and around 50 on 9 November (CN,SDW). Two Oriental Turtle
Doves were recorded at Huai Sing Guard Station, Mukdahan National Park on 14
October (DP,WS). Two Oriental Scops Owls were heard near the headquarters
on Pha Taem National Park on 9 October, and a grey morph bird seen during the
day (DP,VPh,AR,WS).

A Blue-winged Pitta turned up in a small wood-lot on Kasetsart
University Chatuchak Campus (Bangkok) on 9 November (WK). 4 Dusky Crag
Martins were seen with small numbers of Striated Swallows at Pha Cha
Na Dai, Khong Chiam on 11 October (DP,VPh,AR,WS). 165 Wire-tailed Swallows
were counted along the Mekong River between Hat Salung (Ubon Ratchathani) and
(Amnat Charoen) during 13-15 October (DP, AR, WS, VPh), most (100 or so) near
Kaeng Chang Mop, Khemmerat, Ubon.

Two Lesser Racket-tailed Drongos were seen in a bird wave at only c.
433 m elevation, Dong Na Tham, Khong Chiam, on 12 October were unexpected (WS).

A first-winter male Siberian Thrush found dead at Khlong Bang Kaew on
6 November (NB, PK, VP,TT) is probably the first record for the Central Plains.
Two male Common Blackbirds were reported from Doi Inthanon on 16 November
(PS).

There were three Rosy Starlings at the Chumphon Provincial Sports
Stadium on 16 October (CN,SS), while on 21 October, a male Chestnut-cheeked
Starling was again seen at a new locality, Mae Jo University, Lamae
District, Chumphon (NS,CT). Back at the Sports Stadium a female or immature was
seen on 26 October (TS) and a male on 28 October (CN).

A Mekong Wagtail on the Mekong River at Keng Chang Mop, Khemmaraj
(Ubon Ratchathani) on 14 October (WS) is a fairly sensational record. This is
well upstream of the only previous Thai records of this recently (2001)
described wagtail, at Khong Chiam, Ubon Ratchathani (two specimens collected by
the late Kitti Thonglongya in December 1972). All other records are from the
Mekong tributaries, the Kong (Laos and Cambodia), San (Cambodia) and Srepok
(Cambodia) and the mainstream Mekong from Mounlapamok in extreme S. Laos
downstream to Kampi in Cambodia. The northern limit of the breeding distribution
is unclear, but the seeming absence of breeding season records upstream of
Mounlapamok suggest that the bird may be a non-breeding season dispersant to the
Thai Mekong. One male and probably two female Purple-throated Sunbirds
were seen at Dong Na Tham, Khong Chiam on 12 October (WS).

LATE RECORDS from Doi Inthanon (DP, AR, WS, et al.)

Ashy Woodpigeon:much in evidence around the summit, with
several groups of 3–7 birds, 25-26 August. The largest flock was c. 60 on 25
August (AR)

Brown-breasted Flycatcher three birds, probably two adults and one
juvenile, in regenerating secondary forest, close to a stream near the park
headquarters, 29–30 August.

Krabi Recognised As Internationally Important Wetland Site

Around 20 international waterbird experts and managers attended a ceremony on
15 December 2005 to dedicate Krabi Estuary and Bay as a new Shorebird Network
Site in the East Asian-Australasian Migratory Waterbird Flyway.

Krabi is the first wetland site from Thailand to join the Shorebird Site
Network, and makes a total of 39 sites across 12 countries now recognised in the
Network for their importance as internationally significant for migratory
shorebirds.

The dedication ceremony was held during the opening of the new shorebird
observation towers on-site, where the Chair of the Asia Pacific Migratory
Waterbird Conservation Committee, Mr Natori Yoshihiro, of the Ministry of
Environment Japan presented the Shorebird Site Network certificate to the
Director of the Krabi Provincial Administration Office.

Mr Natori described the Shorebird Site Network as an international
cooperative initiative in which Krabi can share and benefit in exchanges with
other sites and specialists across the East Asian-Australasian Flyway on
shorebird conservation, wetland management and environment education.

Krabi Estuary and Bay was designated a wetland of international importance
under the Ramsar Convention in July 2001, and this additional recognition as a
Shorebird Network Site will greatly assist local managers and communities to
improve the wise use of the area.

The Governor of Krabi, Mr. Sonthi Techanun, was later on hand to officially
open the 10th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Migratory Waterbird
Conservation Committee, being held in Krabi, and acknowledged the work of Krabi
Province officials, Wetlands International and the Royal Thailand Office of
Natural Resources and Environment Planning and Policy in nominating the site to
the Shorebird Site Network, and their plans for enhancing opportunities for
eco-tourism and the environmentally sustainable use of this precious area.

(Contributed by Wetlands International)

RECENT REPORTS
Late August to mid-October 2005

(BCST Bull. Vol 22, no. 10)

An aberrant, light-grey plumaged Little Egret was photographed at at
Ban Kuay, Tambol Rai Khok, Ban Lat (Phetchaburi) on 19 September (BK). One or
more grey-plumaged Little Egrets has been seen in this area on a number of
occasions in the past 2-3 years. Over 20 Painted Storks and a
Spot-billed Pelican at Khlong Tamru Soi 1, Km 58, Bang Na-Trad (Chonburi) on
10 September (PK) were possibly birds that had dispersed from the free-flying
Khao Khieo Zoo population. There were also 70 Painted Storks at Wat Khao
Takhrao (Phetchaburi); another 50 between Ban Pak Thale and Laem Phak Bia
(Phetchaburi) on 27 September; and two Black-headed Ibises at Wat Khao
Takhrao on 27 September (TS).

An adult Rufous-bellied Eagle was seen at Khao Sok (Surat Thani) on 15
September (PK). The earliest apparent migrant Oriental Honey-buzzards
were two dark and one pale morphs at Kirimas District, Kamphaengphet, on 16
September (NT). There were 29 Oriental Honey-buzzards, 562 Chinese
Sparrowhawks and 5 Japanese Sparrowhawks over Ban Krang, Kaeng
Krachan (Phetchaburi) on 19-20 September (CK,BP,RT); a pale Oriental
Honey-buzzard at Khlong Bang Kaew (Samut Prakan) on 1 October (PK);
Japanese Sparrowhawks on Ko Samui (Surat Thani) on 23 September (UT) and
Khao Yai (a first-year) on 3 October (GG, SN,PDR). Two more Japanese
Sparrowhawks flew over Khlong Bang Kaew on 5 October (PK). At Kasetsart
University Kamphaengsaen Campus (Nakhon Pathom) there was one Chinese
Sparrowhawk on 19 September; two adults and one juvenile, together with two
Japanese Sparrowhawks and, reportedly, an early Grey-faced
Buzzard on 23 September; and four more Chinese Sparrowhawks on 26
September (TS). A Eurasian Sparrowhawk was reported from Chom Thong
(Chiang Mai) on 24 September (DK) though no details were supplied. More
Grey-faced Buzzards were reported from Chom Thong on 2 October (WB) and Ma
Hia on 9 October (WB). A "huge Aquila" was reported as passing south over
Chiang Mai on 21 September (per RK).

At Khao Chi-On Non Hunting Area (Chonburi) 16 Oriental Honey-buzzards,
4 Grey-faced Buzzards and a single Japanese Sparrowhawk passed
over during 4-6 October; 5 Oriental Honey-buzzards, 16 Chinese
Sparrowhawks, and one Japanese Sparrowhawk on 7 October (ChT). There
was also a possible dark morph Booted Eagle on 6 October (ChT). Another
possible Booted Eagle, this time a pale morph, was reported from Kirimas
District, Kamphaengphet, on 16 September (NT).

An immature Eastern Marsh Harrier immature was photographed at Phu
Kradeung (Loei) on 2 October (CT) and another seen over Khon Kaen University
Campus on 13 October (SN, AJP, PDR, et al.). The earliest Pied Harrier,
a male, appeared on Doi Ang Khang (Chiang Mai) on 25 September (WB).
Peregrine Falcons of the race peregrinator were seen at Cho Lae, Mae
Taeng (Chiang Mai) on 10 September (AJ: photographed) and at Mae Chaem Hospital
(Chiang Mai) on 9-10 August (UK). A further Peregrine Falcon (race not
mentioned but assumed to be a northern migrant) was seen at Khlong Bang Kaew on
10 October (PK). The earliest Common Kestrel was in ricefields at Chom
Thong on 24 September (DK) while a Eurasian Hobby was reported from Mae
Hia (Chiang Mai) on 6 October (WB).

No fewer than four different male and two female Blue-breasted Quail
were seen and photographed feeding at Bang Phra on 18 September (CT). One to
three different Small Buttonquail were also seen during 18-19 September
(CT). The birds were feeding on the rather open, partly vegetated mud or earth
of a seasonally inundated area.

The earliest reported Grey-headed Lapwings were 13 at Tha Yang
(Chumphon) on 17 September; 19 on 18 September, and 26 on 25 September (CN).
Nine were also seen on 2 October (CN) while there was another at Phru Bangrak,
Ko Samui on 22 September (UT). Other waders on Ko Samui, all from Phru Bangrak
on 21 September, were two 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 15 Pacific Golden
Plovers, 10
Marsh Sandpipers,3 Common Greenshanks, 5 Wood Sandpipers, 2
Whimbrels, 7 Common Sandpipers and 5 Pintail Snipes (UT). One
or two birds that appeared to be Swinhoe's Snipes were photographed at
Cho Lae on 27 September (AJ). The outer tail-feathers of one bird could be
clearly seen to be different to those of both Pintail and Common. Eleven
Pintail Snipe and three Common Snipe were counted behind Chumphon
Sports Stadium on 24 September (CN,KS,TT).

200 Eurasian Curlews and 80 Bar-tailed Godwits were counted
between Laem Phak Bia and Ban Pak Thale on 27 September (TS); at least 65
Eurasian Curlews, 5-10 Bar-tailed Godwits and over 1,000
Black-tailed Godwits at Khok Kham (Samut Sakhon) on 28 September
(BCST/KKCC); 200 Asian Dowitchers at Khok Kham on 13 September (SD) and
305 on 28 September (BCST/KKCC). Three Asian Dowitchers were also seen at
Khlong Tamru Soi 1 on 10 September (PK). Another AsianDowitcher,
9
Great Knots and 20 Ruffs were counted between Laem Phak Bia and Ban
Pak Thale on 27 September (TS). There were 34 Great Knots and 2 Red
Knots at Khok Kham on 28 September (BCST/KKCC). Following the two Little
Stints ringed in early September (already reported), there was at least one
more (unringed) Little Stint at Laem Phak Bia on 27 September (TS). The
earliest autumn date yet for Spoon-billed Sandpiper was 6 October, when a
single bird was found at Khok Kham (SD).

There was a Red-necked Phalarope at Ban Pak Thale on 27 September (TS)
and another at Cho Lae on 8 October (LBC). And two Pied Avocets at Pak
Thale on 8 October (TS). A Eurasian Thick-knee at Laem Phak Bia on 13
October (PS) was the first ever seen on the grounds of the Environmental
Research and Development Project. The first two Brown-headed Gulls were
seen at Bang Pu on 7 October (PN). A group of Red Collared Doves near Ban
Riang (Phuket) on 4 October (SDW) included 5 males. This species is very scarce
and local in the peninsula. 73 Pied Imperial Pigeons flew over Tha Yang,
Chumphon on 18 September (CN). 20 Blue-rumped Parrots were seen at Km 20,
Kaeng Krachan on 5 October (TS). The earliest Large Hawk Cuckoo was at
Phru Bangrak, Ko Samui, on 22 September (UT).

At least 50 migrant race (pacificus)Pacific Swifts were noted
over Phanoen Thung Kaeng Krachan on 15 September (PK,PM, PDR), seemingly
trickling south. One of a group of four White-crowned Hornbills at Khao
Sok on 15 September delivered a lizard to another bird (PK), presumably a
fledged, but still partly dependent, juvenile. There was an Oriental Dwarf
Kingfisher (Black-backed Kingfisher) at Khlong Baeng Kaew, 2 October (PK,
VP, TT). The earliest Wryneck was at Cho Lae on 5 September (AJ). Two
adult and one juvenile Rufous Piculets were seen at Ton Chongfa
Waterfall, Khao Lak (Phang-nga) on 13 September (PK).

Some Barn Swallows were already about half-way through moult of
primaries at Bang Pu (Samut Prakan) on 17 September (PN). The first
(migrant/wintering) Red-rumped Swallows were seen on Ko Samui on 23
September (UT), with a Black Drongo on the same date (UT). The earliest
record of an apparent migrant Black Drongo was at Chumphon on 17
September (CN). Migrant Black-winged Cuckooshrikes were seen at Khlong
Bang Kaew on 28 September (PK) and at Khao Yai on 1 October (PDR). The earliest
Brown-rumped Minivet was at Khao Yai on 3 October (GG). A pale (leucogenis
or salangensis) Ashy Drongo was also seen at Khao Yai on the
same day (PDR). Two White-browed Fantails at Sap Sadao, Thap Lan National
Park (Nakhon Ratchasima) on 28 August (CT) were at one of very few known
localities for this scarce resident of dry dipterocarp forest. Pied Triller
was reported from Walailak University (Nakhon Si Thammarat) on 16 September
(PC).

The first Siberian Blue Robin was an adult male at Laem Panwa (Phuket)
on 11 September (SM). Two more, a male on 23 September and a female on 24
September, died after flying into windows at the Samut Sakhon Mangrove Study
Centre (YT). A male was also seen at Mu Ban Panthip (Onnut, Soi 53, Bangkok) on
1 October (PV) and a first-year female was seen at Khlong Bang Kaew on 2 October
(PK). A male Siberian Rubythroat was at Khlong Bang Kaew on 13 October
(PK).

The earliest Oriental ReedWarbler was at Khlong Bang Kaew on
10 September (PK). Arctic Warblers were reported fromWat Tangsai,
Thap Sakae (Prachuap Khiri Khan) on 11 September (CK,PT,KT) and 5-6 at Wat Phung
Bua, Ko Samui on 22 September (UT), and Khao Yai on 10 October(AJP). Radde's
Warbler was reported from Khao Yai on 2 October (GG). An apparent Blyth's
Leaf Warbler in mangroves at the Samut Sakhon Mangrove Study Centre on 28
September (PDR) was unexpected. A "Golden-specacled Warbler" at Bang Bor school,
30 km. Bangna-Trad (Samut Prakan) on Oct. 8, photographs of which were posted on
local web-boards was thought to be a Plain-tailed Warbler (Observer?).
Two Black-browed Reed Warblers were reported offRamindra Road,
Bangkok on 24 September (UT). Dark-sided Flycatchers were seen on Khao
Phanoen Thung, Kaeng Krachan on 15 September (a first-year bird: PK, PM, PDR),
and at Bang Pla (Samut Prakan) on 18 September (two; web posting) and at Tha
Yang, Chumphon on 25 September (CN). The earliest AsianBrown
Flycatcher was at Ramindra on 14 September (PE) with two more at Wat Phung
Bua, Ko Samui on 22 September (UT). A possible Brown-streaked Flycatcher
was reported from Suan Rotfai (Bangkok) on 25 September (WN,AS). The first
Red-throated Flycatcher of the autumnwas at Samut Sakhon on 17
September (PS). Adult male Yellow-rumped Flycatchers were reported from
Khao Sok (Surat Thani) on 14 September (PK) and Khao Yai on 10 October (AJP).
Another Yellow-rumped Flycatcher, a sick or injured bird, was picked up
outside the UN Building (Bangkok) on 16 September (SV). A female or immature
Yellow-rumped Flycatcher was seen at Wat Phung Bua, Ko Samui on 22 September
(UT) while. Four to five were reported from Pong Salot (Phetchaburi) on 17
September (BK). A female Chinese Blue Flycatcher was photographed at
Khlong Bang Kaew on 5 October (PK). Migrant Asian Paradise-flycatchers
(females or immatures) were seen at Khlong Bang Kaew on 28 September (PK)
and at the UNESCO Office, Sukhumvit Soi 40 (Bangkok) on 10 October (PV).

An adult and a juvenile Tiger Shrike were seen at Khao Sok on 14
September (PK), with another at Ban Krang, Kaeng Krachan on 19-20 September (CK,
BP, RT). The earliest record of Grey-backedShrike was at Tham Pha
Phlong, Doi Chiang Dao (Chiang Mai) on 17 September (RK). A Burmese
Shrike appeared at Pong Salot on 17 and 24 September (BK). Eight
White-shouldered Starlings were seen at Tha Yang, Chumphon on 18 September
(CN). A male Purple-backed Starling was seen at Ko Samui Airport on 21
September (UT) with a flock of 50 feeding on the fruits of Fagraea fragrans
at Phru It, in the SE part of Ko Samui on the same date (UT). At Chumphon, there
were 7 Purple-backed Starlings on 17 September, 25 on 24 September
(CN,KS,TT); 21 on 1 October (CN). 300 Purple-backed Starlings at Chumphon
Sports Stadium on 11 October (CN) were joined by a Chestnut-cheeked Starling
on 13 October (CN), a juvenile Rosy Starling on 11 October and two
juvenile
Rosy Starlings on 13 October (CN). Another Rosy Starling was seen
at Ban Riang, Phuket Island during 26-28 September (SDW). The first received
record of Forest Wagtail, at Krung Ching, Khao Luang (Nakhon Si
Thammarat) on 22 August (PC), was not a particularly early date; nor was that
for Yellow Wagtail at Lat Krabang (Bangkok) on 4 September (AM). There
were eight
Yellow Wagtails at Phru Bangrak, Ko Samui on 21 September (UT). The first
White Wagtail was seen at Rangsit University Thammasat Campus (Bangkok) on
12 September (Observer? Posted on the web). There were six Yellow-breasted
Buntings behind the Chumphon Sports Stadium on 24 September (CN,KS,TT).

Breeding records: Khlong Bang Kaew, Samut Prakan (PK):
Bronze-winged Jacana - a nest and three eggs under observation from 8 August
to 29 August hatched three chicks on or before 3 September. The same young were
again seen on 1 October, when another adult was sitting on a nest with 4 eggs

Compiled by Philip D. Round and Roongroj Jukmongkol, with notes on raptors
from Dr Chaiyan Kasorndorkbua and Chukiat Nualsri.

RECENT REPORTS
Late July - early September 2005

A frigatebird over the point at Laem Pak Bia (Phetchaburi) on 3 September
(PS, KS,CT et al.) was thought to be an immature Christmas Frigatebird.
A juvenile Greater Adjutant at Huai Sawai Reservoir (Buriram) on 20
August (BK) was said by non-hunting area officials to have been present since 6
August. This very welcome arrival perhaps stems from the improved protection of
the Cambodian breeding populations. The bird was still present on 27 August,
along with a single (long-staying) Milky Stork, 30 Painted Storks
(including five juveniles) 50 Asian Openbills and a Grey Heron
(KS).

Eleven Japanese Sparrowhawks, the first of the season, passed over Tha
Yang (Chumphon) on 3 September (CN). Small numbers of migrant raptors were also
reported from Nang Mern Cliff, Phu Phan National Park (Sakhon Nakhon), with four
Japanese Sparrowhawks on 3 September and 18 on 4 September (SR); and 15
and 21 Chinese Sparrowhawks, respectively, for the same two days. Both
species are approximately three weeks earlier than the earliest Hong Kong dates
in Carey et al. (The Avifauna of Hong Kong). However, it is worth
noting that Japanese Sparrowhawk has apparently been recorded in the Thai-Malay
Peninsula as early as 2 September according to Wells (1999). Seven Oriental
Honey-buzzards apparently passed through at Nang Mern on 4 September (SR).
Up to four Black Bazas during the same period were presumably local
dispersants, as this is over a month early for regular autumn migration. Among
the resident raptors, there were seven Brahminy Kites, including five
immatures, at Huai Sawai on 27 August (KS). A Rufous-bellied Eagle was
seen perched at Nong Pakshee, Khao Yai, on 15 August (TS).

Shorebirds at Huai Sawai on 27 August included 30 River Lapwings, a
single Whimbrel, a Marsh Sandpiper, a probable Rufous-necked
Stint with an orange leg-flag, indicating it had probably been ringed in SE
Australia; and over 100 Oriental Pratincoles (KS). Temminck's Stint
was first recorded at Laem Phak Bia on 2 September (PDR, PS). Two adult
Little Stints were netted and ringed at Laem Phak Bia on 3-4 September
(PDR,KS,CT
et al.). The first Common Snipe was reported from experimental
ricefields, Kasetsart University Chatuchak Campus (Bangkok) on 28 August (CK).
Over 100 Broad-billed Sandpipers, 40 Bar-tailedGodwits and
8-10 Asian Dowitchers were counted at the Samut Sakhon Mangrove Study
Centre on 11 September (NS,YW).

Two male and one female Pompadour Pigeons were seen at Huai Kha Khaeng
Wildlife Sanctuary Headuarters (Uthai Thani) on 13 August (PDR, MU). Two
Pale-capped Pigeons appeared at Chumphon, on the unusually early date of 3
September (CN).

There were at least 10 Pacific Swifts near Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife
Sanctuary Headquarters on 12 and 13 August. A Crested Kingfisher
was seen at the headquarters of Mae Wong National Park, 14 August (SS). An
Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher on the Mo-singto study plot, Khao Yai, on 9
September (WS) showed the characteristics of Rufous-backed Kingfisher.
This seems to be the first record of a rufous-backed bird north of Kaeng
Krachan. A male Cinnamon-rumped Trogon, was observed at Krung Ching, Khao
Luang (Nakhon Si Thammarat) on 23 July (ST). A male Rufous-necked Hornbill
was seed at Chong Yen, Mae Wong on 13 August (SS).

Male Banded Pittas were reported from Krung Ching on 23 July and again
on 12 August (ST). An Eared Pitta was seenin degraded
bamboo-dominated forest near the Wang Badan Guard Station of Erawan National
Part on 11 August (PDR). There were two Burmese Yuhinas at Chong Yen, Mae
Wong, 14 August (SS). A Rail-babbler was seen at Krung Ching on 12 August
(ST)

Sightings of landbird migrants included two Tiger Shrikes, one still
retaining at least partly adult plumage, at Kaeng Krachan on 26 August (STh),
and one at Suan Rotfai (Bangkok) on 27 August (PW); and a small influx of adult
Brown Shrikes at Laem Phak Bia on 3 September (PDR, KS, et al.). Two
Pallas's Grasshopper Warblers were present at Laem Phak Bia on 4
September (PDR, PS, KS et al.). Neither Eastern Crowned Warbler
(PDR) nor Arctic Warbler (GG) at Mo-singto, Khao Yai on 27 August was a
particularly early sighting. Adult male Yellow-rumped Flycatchers
appeared at Bang Na Trad, Km 11 (Samut Prakan) on 24 August (PW), Pha Kluey Mai,
Kaeng Krachan on 26 August (STh), Khao Yai on 27 August (GG,PDR); Khlong Bang
Kaew (Samut Prakan) on 29 August (PK) and Khao Yai on 30 August (AJP). An
immature (probably female) Yellow-rumped Flycatcher was ringed at Laem
Phak Bia on 4 September (PDR et al.) and another in Khao Yai on 8
September (AJP). The Chang Nam Guardstation of Khao Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary
(Chonburi) held both an adult male and a female or immature Yellow-rumped
Flycatcher
on 4 September (AS). The race of an Asian Paradise-flycatcher at
Mo-singto Khao Yai on 18 August (AJP) was not determined, though the date was
almost ten days earlier than the previous earliest record for migrant northern
incei. Two undoubted inceiAsian Paradise-flycatchers (females
or immatures) were photographed at Kasetsart University Kamphaengsaen Campus
(Nakhon Pathom) on 30 August (TS). Forest Wagtails were reported from Na
Haeo (Loei) on 20 August (AS) and Khao Yai on 27 August (SN), with "many" at
Kaeng Krachan on 26 August (STh). There were three Yellow Wagtails at
Laem Phak Bia on 4 September (PDR et al.) and already a flock of 24
feeding on grassland at KMUTT, Bangkhunthien (Bangkok) by 5 September (WS). The
first
White-shouldered Starlings (12 birds) appeared at Laem Phak Bia on 11
September (PS).

Breeding records

Doi Inthanon: pair of White-browed Shortwings feeding young in the
nest, 13 August (AS).

KMUTT, Bangkhunthien, Bangkok (WS) White-breasted Waterhen with three
small chicks, 4 September; Asian Golden Weaver, a single young fledged
from each of two nests, while a third nest contained two nestlings, 5 September.

RECENT REPORTS
July - early August 2005

Three Great Cormorants and 10-15 Oriental Darters were
at Praprong Reservoir near Pang Sida National Park (Sa Kaeo) on 31 July
(WK,KK,PY). 24 Spot-billed Pelicans were countedat Thung Feua,
Muang District (Phetchaburi) 24 July (PS). Small numbers (< 10 birds) were also
seen in soaring flight with Painted Storks at Laem Phak Bia and Wat Khao
Takhrao (Phetchaburi) on 7 August (CK,KS, CT et al.). 30 Spot-billed
Pelicans at Bang Phra (Chonburi) together with three Black-headed Ibises
and 90 Painted Storks on 30 July (SM) were presumably from free-flying,
zoo-associated population there. At least 150 Painted Storks were seen
from Laem Phak Bia to Wat Khao Takhrao on 7 August (JM, KS,CT, et al.)

Two Cotton Pygmy-geese were seen atat Khlong Bangkaew (Samut
Prakan) on 19 July (PK). A Chinese Francolin, many Rain Quails and
two Small Buttonquails were noted from Bang Phra on 30 July (SM, CT).

A Red-legged Crake was seen at the third stream of Ban-Krang,
Kangkrachan NP. at 18:00 h on 10 July (SM). The first autumn records of
Rufous-necked Stint, Long-toed Stint and Little Ringed Plover
at Khok Kham were on 18 July (SD). There were four Ruff at Laem Phak Bia
on 24 July including one in partial breeding plumage (PS), and eleven, all
adults on 7 August (CK,PDR,KS et al.) There were already 180 Eurasian
Curlew at Laem Phak Bia on 6 August (JM, SN,PDR) and an estimated 1,500
Black-tailed Godwits at Khok Kham on 29 July (SS).

Last month's Pied Avocet was still on view at Khok Kham on 29 July
(SD, SN, PDR, et al.). There was a record count of Little Terns
(350 birds) on the sandspit off Laem Phak Bia on 7 August (PDR). Only one
Great Crested Tern, and about 200 Common Terns were present (KS, CT,
et al.)

A Crested Kingfisher was seen at the new locality of Lamthan Ban Mae
Khlong Sai, in the Sw part of Chiang Dao District, (Chiang Mai) 15 June (JP). A
Black-capped Kingfisher at Km 11, Kaeng Krachan, on 24 July (PS) was
perhaps a bird that had failed to migrate. The earliest Common Kingfisher
was an adult at Laem Phak Bia on 7 August (CK,PDR, KS, et al.) Migrant
Barn Swallows were first reported on 19 July (PK) at Khlong Bang Kaew. The
numbers were said to have increased steadily since then.

Three red-vented Sooty-headed Bulbuls seen on a housing estate in Nong
Khaem on 19 July were determined to have escaped from a nearby aviary (RJ).
Sooty-headed Bulbuls are scarce in or near the city, and where they occur are
all yellow-vented.

Both Rufous-throated Fulvettas and Short-tailed Parrotbills
were reported by several parties of observers in Na Haeo National Park (Loei)
during July (STh, et al). The earliest-reported Grey Wagtail was
on Doi Inthanon, 7 July (MB). Two more were seen at Ban Krang, Kaeng Krachan on
16-17 July (SM). A flock of over 1000 Pin-tailed Parrotfinches roosted in
a large tree. Na Haeo, 9-10 July (UT).

5-6 nests of Asian Golden Weaver were found in Eucalyptus and
Alstonia trees just outside the gates of Pang Sida National Park, on 1
August (WK, KK, PY). Five or six nests of Asian Golden Weaver at King
Mongkut's University of Technology, Thonburi, were under observation until late
July, when they disappeared (SN,WS), having probably been destroyed or collected
by construction workers.

Khlong Bangkaew, Samut Prakan (PK): Little Grebe and a single small
chick on a nest on 31 July; Pheasant-tailed Jacana incubating four eggs
on 16 July; three small young hatched by 21 July. Bronze-winged Jacana
incubating three eggs, 4 August; White-browed Crake with four chicks, 31
July; Common Moorhen and four small chicks, 16 July; Watercock and
a single chick on 31 July.

OBC Grants for conservation projects

The Oriental Bird Club aims to encourage interest in Oriental Birds and their
conservation. In 2005, OBC is pleased to offer the following grants:

Forktail-Leica Award for Conservation

AEC/OBC Award for Conservation

OBC-WildWings Award for Conservation and Awareness

OBC Small Grants for Conservation

For further details explaining the scope of support from OBC, please contact
either OBC representative Klos Boonthawee (01-630-3207, e-mail kboonthawee [at]
gmail.com) or the Chairman of OBC's Conservation Committee, Phil Benstead at
obc.admin [at] virgin.net.

A leaflet on OBC awards is also available from Philip Round (Room N515,
Biology Department, Mahidol University; tel. 01-914-8675 or e-mail pdround [at]
ksc.th.com. Details may also be found on the OBC website.

If you are not already a member of OBC, contact OBC Thailand representative
Klos Boonthawee in order to pay your annual subscription in baht.

Gulf motorway cancelled?

There are strong indications that the government's proposed trans-gulf
motorway road bridge will be cancelled (Bangkok Post, 8 August 2005, 9
August 2005). The original plan was to construct a 47 km road-bridge spanning
the Inner Gulf from Samut Sakhon to Laem Phak Bia. The Ministry of Transport and
Communications cited environmental impacts and opposition from local people as
the reasons for probable cancellation. However, the high cost (an estimated
60-70 billion baht), together with the country's poorer economic performance due
to the high cost of oil and the "troubles" in the south were probably equally
important in forcing this "re-think". The Transport Ministry will now consider
the alternative of a land-based tollway to cope with the anticipated rise in
road traffic.

BCST was the first conservation NGO to uncover the details of the
government's proposal to build the bridge, and the first to raise concerns over
its possible environmental impact. The impact would not be limited to the bridge
alone, but would extend to expected ancillary construction and industrialization
that would take place contemporaneously at the site where the bridge left, and
rejoined the land.

However, we were careful not to oppose the bridge outright. Our position has
always been that the huge social and environmental impacts, and especially the
impacts on biodiversity, of the project needed to be realistically assessed in
order that the costs of the bridge could be properly judged alongside its
benefits. If a decision was then taken to build the bridge, appropriate
mitigation measures could have been instituted to minimize the impacts on
shorebirds and other waterfowl, and on the coastal ecology of the gulf.

However, it soon became evident that there had been no opportunity for public
participation in the consultation process. The Environmental Impact Assessment,
especially those parts dealing with biodiversity, was utterly inadequate. The
EIA made no mention of Thailand's obligations as a signatory of the Wetlands
Convention. Nor did it demonstrate any awareness of the international
conservation importance of the gulf. The Inner Gulf is Thailand's most important
wetland for resident and migratory waterfowl, supporting globally important
populations of over 30 species, including the endangered Spoonbilled Sandpiper
and Nordmann's Greenshank.

While BCST welcomes the fact that an alternative to the road-bridge is now
finally being considered, it is important to remember that the biodiversity of
Thailand's most important wetland will continue to be threatened, whether the
bridge is built or not, by the complete lack of zoning and planning controls
that allow factories and housing to spread untrammeled and unregulated
throughout the coastal zone. As we write, one company is in the process of
building a major oil refinery in Ban Laem district, less than one kilometer away
from a site which supports a key wintering concentration of shorebirds,
including most of Thailand's wintering Spoon-billed Sandpipers. The only
comment of the government agency responsible for wetland conservation was that
"construction could go ahead because the site did not lie in a protected area".

Returning to the road, if the proposed bridge is to be replaced instead with
a land-based tollway, careful consideration will need to be given to its precise
route. Conceivably, a road built entirely on land in the coastal strip could be
even more damaging to waterfowl habitat than the original trans-gulf bridge
would have been. Members of the public and local people who would be affected by
any new road must be allowed to participate fully in the design and consultation
process.

RECENT REPORTS
May-July 2005

Approximately 350 Indian Cormorants flew southwards over Laem Phak Bia
(Phetchaburi), to a presumed roost, with Little Cormorants, 8 July
(JM,PDR). There were also 29 Indian Cormorants perched in trees at KU
Kamphaengsaen (Nakhon Pathom), a new locality on 6 June (TS). An adult
Malayan Night Heron
was seen at Ban Krang, Kaeng Krachan, 23 May (ST) and three more feeding on a
lawn at Khao Cha-ngok (Nakhon Nayok) on 10 July (SK). There were at least 170
Painted Storks, including 15 brown juveniles, at Laem Phak Bia, 8 July
(JM,SN,PDR). A juvenile Greater Adjutant which crash-landed on the roof
of Mr. Boonchuay Phanthawong Ban Somsakpattana, Tambol Pha Khao, Pha Khao
District (Loei) at 01:30h on 8 May was eventually handed in to the Royal Forest
Department authorities (per TP).

A Besra was reported from Kong Kaeo, Khao Yai on 2-3 July (AS).

Observations on mudflats offSamut Sakhon Mangrove Study Centre have
revealed the midsummer presence of a surprising range of waders, including a few
Whimbrels, at least 100 Black-tailed Godwits, 2-3 Common
Greenshanks and at least 50 CommonRedshanks, in addition to a
few Lesser Sand Plovers (CK). Other shorebirds and terns included four
Broad-billed Sandpipers on 19 June (CK), a Eurasian Curlew, six
Gull-billed Terns and 40 breeding plumage Whiskered Terns on 26 June
(CK). There were 300 Black-tailed Godwits and eight Asian Dowitchers
at Khok Kham on 2 July (SD) and a single Terek Sandpiper on 3 July
(GG,SN,PDR,SS,), followed by a Pied Avocet on 3 July (SD) and 42 Great
Knots on 4 July (SD).

There were roughly 100 Pacific Swifts, showing the relatively narrow
white rump band of the resident race, A.p. cooki, over the limestone
hills behind Sai Yok Noi Waterfall (Kanchanaburi) on 29 June (PDR) indicating
that this species may perhaps breed much farther south than previously realised.

Bird records from Ko Phayam (Ranong) included four Pink-necked Pigeons,
two Brown-winged Kingfishers on 29 June, and a flock of Small Minivets
and seven Green Imperial Pigeons on 30 June (PK). Olive-winged Bulbul
was said to be plentiful there.

Late records from the spring:

Khlong Bangkaew (Samut Prakan):

Oriental Darter, Peregrine Falcon and three Baillon's Crakes, a
pair of Streaked Weavers and two pairs of Asian Golden Weavers, 3
April (PK,PW). A pair of Fulvous-breasted Woodpeckers were feeding young
in a nest-hole in a mango tree on 7 May (PK).

Collared Scops Owl adult and three fledged young, 1-2 May. Adult seen
to feed both katydids and geckos to the young (TS). Pair of Black-backed
Kingfishers excavating nest-hole in river-bank,29 April - 2 May (TS)
were said to be incubating on 14-15 May (ST) and 21-23 May, with both adults
feeding young in the nest during 4-6 June (ST). Another adult or pair were
feeding a fledged young at a second site on 5-6 June. Banded Kingfisher
believed incubating on 14-15 May (ST); Rufous-collared Kingfishers
feeding young in the nest, 14-15 May (the male seen to bring in a skink) and
21-23 May (ST). Greater Yellownape pair excavating, 14-15 May (ST); Pair
of Black-and-red Broadbills at a nest, Km 13, 26 April (TS); a pair
nest-building on the Khao Pakarang trail, 14-15 May (ST) and a third pair
nest-building on 23 May (ST); Black-and-yellow Broadbills adults feeding
young in the nest 1 May (TS) and (presumably a different nest) on 21-23 May from
which the young had fledged by 3 June (ST). Silver-breasted Broadbill
incubating on 21 May and at a second nest on 4 June (ST); another pair
nest-building on 4 June (ST).

Green Magpie nest-building, and a second pair with nest and young, 4
June (ST); Ochraceous Bulbul, two fledged young, on 4 June (ST);
Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush incubating, 01 May (TS and with two nearly
full-grown nestlings, 22-23 May (ST); Rufous-fronted Babbler feeding
young in the nest, 01 May (TS); Grey-headed Flycatcher nest-building, 5
May (ST); Black-naped Monarch incubating, 4 June (ST); White-rumped
Munia incubating on 23 May; feeding nestlings on 4 June (ST).

Mountain Bamboo Partridge pair with chicks walked across the tarmac
road at > 2000 m elevation, 3 July. Nest and young of Pygmy Wren Babbler,
summit, 2-3 July (adults seen carrying food into a thicket of moss); Large
Niltava adult and two fledglings along the jeep track, 2 July.

Another leg-flagged wader resighted

A leg-flagged Curlew Sandpiper photographed at Khok Kham on 2 April by
Pornthep Katsura, with the combination orange/yellow, on the right leg, was
ringed in South Australia sometime after April 1999. The resighting was a
distance of approximately 7062 km, with a bearing of 316 degrees, from the
marking location. (Details supplied by Australasian Wader Studies Group).

This may be the first recovery/resighting of an Australian-ringed wader in
the Inner Gulf. There have been previous records of Australian ringed Curlew
Sandpipers from Pattani Bay, South Thailand, and one, ringed in Tasmania, from
Satthahip, Chonburi.

With increased shorebird ringing and use of leg-flags along the flyway,
birdwatchers and bird photographers who watch shorebirds are encouraged to keep
a special look-out for coloured leg-flags and to send in any sightings to BCST.

RECENT REPORTS
April to early June 2005

An Oriental Darter was seen at Phu Khieo (Chaiyaphum) on 13 April
(LM). A Spot-billed Pelican (thought to be a semi-tame, released bird)
was also seen during 10-14 April (LM). There were two Oriental Darters at
Pakxan, Bolikhamsai Province, N. Laos, on the weekend of 8-9 May (JWD, CW). Five
Indian Cormorants fed with Little Cormorants at Bung Nongbawn, near Rama
9 Park (Bangkok) on 3 June (PK).

About 200 Painted Storks soared over paddies between Khao Yoi and Ban
Laem (Phetchaburi) on 3 June, and a further 80 birds fed and roosted on
salt-pans at Laem Phak Bia (JM,SN,PDR). A single, presumably escaped Greater
Flamingo, was again present at the latter site and date (JM,SN,PDR).

A breeding plumage Indian Pond Heron was photographed at Laem Phak Bia
(Phetchaburi) on 4 June (KS,CT). A flock of 12 Black Bazas flew past Khao
Soi Dao (Chanthaburi) on 13 April (ST), and 73 flew over at Pong Salot
(Phetchaburi) on 28 April (SR); 15 Oriental Honey-buzzards flew over Km
27.5, Kaeng Krachan on 26 April (SR). A female Chinese Sparrowhawk was
seen to prey on a lizard at Ban Krang, Kaeng Krachan,on 25 or 26 April (SR). The
latest record for a Japanese Sparrowhawk was a male at Na Tung, Muang
(Chumphon) on 9 May (CN), while a Shikra at Na Tung on 26 May (CN) may
possibly be indicative of resident status. A Red-legged Crake appeared in
a garden near Ban Muad, Muang District (Chiang Mai) and was seen more or less
daily from 13 May to 25 May (CL,PL). There were 12 Eurasian Thick-knees
at Pong Salot on 28 April (SR).

Some interesting late dates for waders have been received, thanks to (these
days!) much improved coverage. Mahachai (Samut Sakhon) held 216 Black-tailed
Godwits and 2 Asian Dowitchers (in non-breeding plumage) on 20 May
(KS), 50+ Black-tailed Godwits, 3 Asian Dowitchers, 40
Whimbrels and a single Eurasian Curlew on 22 May (CK). Remarkably
there were still 5 Asian Dowitchers, and 200 Black-tailed Godwits
present on 5 June (CK). There was a rather sickly looking, solitary Spotted
Redshank at Wat Khao Takhrao on 3 June (JM,SN,PDR).

There were also 40 Bar-tailed Godwits, 45 Whimbrel and a single
Grey Plover, at Laem Phak Bia on 3 June (PDR), along with about 150
Rufous-neckedStints, 300 mixed sandplovers (but more Greaters than
Lessers), 150 Common Redshanks, at least three Common Greenshanks
and a few Curlew Sandpipers. On 4 June, the Laem Phak Bia Environmental
Research and Development Project Area and adjacent sandspit held a (one legged)
Terek Sandpiper, two Common Sandpipers (KS,CT), 25 Great
Crested Terns, four Caspian Terns and 5 non-breeding plumage
White-winged Terns (PDR). There were still four Brown-headed Gulls at
Bang Pu on 27 May (PK).

A single Alexandrine Parakeet at Khlong Bang Kaew (Samut Prakan) on 28
May (PK) was presumed to be a feral bird or an escaped captive. A Pied
Imperial Pigeon was seen at Na Tung, Chumphon, on 26 May (CN). A Lesser
Cuckoo was seen and heard singing on Doi Ang Khang, 29 May (PE).

Eight Glossy Swiftlets were seen at Krung Ching, Khao Luang (Nakhon Si
Thammarat) on 24 May (PC,CK). April. Records of Helmeted Hornbills from
Km 24, Kaeng Krachan -- one, identified as a juvenile, though said to have a
long tail on 26 April (LSP, LOT,LAT, et al.) and two at on 1 June (KK,
JL) -- present a significant and unexpected range extension

Two male and one female Black Hornbills -- a nationally very rare
bird, thought to be completely restricted to lowland forest, were reported from
Krung Ching on 6 May (UH, SR, SW).

A male Siberian Thrush, and two Grey-sided Thrushes were seen
on Doi Phu Fa (Nan) 3 April (ST); and two male and one female Siberian
Thrushes, on Khao Soi Dao Tai on16-17 April (ST). A pair of Green Cochoas
was reported from Khao Soi Dao Tai on 17 April (ST); and a White-throated
RockThrush, (sex not mentioned) at the nearby Pong Nam Ron Captive
Breeding Station on 13 April (ST). Remarkably a sighting of a male Japanese
Robin was reported at Phanoen Thung, Kaeng Krachan on 25 April (SR,LAT),
though no details were supplied. A male Blue-fronted Roboin was reported from
near the Mae Puh Valley, Doi Ang Khang (Chiang Mai) on 19 May (PCh). The
observer has promised to send full details in due course.

A juvenile Mangrove Whistler, was seen at Mahachai on 22 May (CK).
Among the scarcer babblers, a Ferruginous Babbler was singing at Krung
Ching on 24 May (PC,CK). There was a single, rather late, Oriental Reed
Warbler at Laem Phak Bia on 4 June (PDR, KS, CT et al.).
Grey-cheeked Warblers were reported fromDoi Phu Fa, 6 April and on
Doi Doing Ya Wai, 10 April (ST).

Two dozen Manchurian Reed Warblers in a bed of grasses and sedges at
Pakxan, Bolikhamsai Province, N. Lao on the weekend of 8-9 May (JWD, CW) were
thought to represent a major migratory influx. These were the first records of
this taxon for N Laos.

Both Fulvous-chested Flycatcher and Brown-streaked Flycatcher
were seen at Krung Ching Waterfall, Khao Luang, on 22 May (PC, CK), with another
adult Brown-streaked Flycatcher feeding two fledglings at the Khao Nun
station of the same national park (about 10 km from Krung Ching) on 28 May
(PC,CK). A male Yellow-rumped Flycatcher was seen at Phu Khieo on 10 May
and a female on 14 May (LM). Both a male and a female Mugimaki Flycatcher
were seen onKhao Soi Dao Tai (Chanthaburi) on 15 April (ST), and
Slaty-backed Flycatcher male and female on Doi Pu Fa, 3-6 April (ST). There
was a flock of almost 100 Chestnut Buntings Doi Phu Fa,2 April,
(ST

Na Tung, Muang District, Chumphon Province (CN): two juveniles from a nest of
White-bellied Sea Eagle reported in an earlier issue were first seen to
fly on 26 May.

Krung Ching, Khao Luang National Park, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province
(PC,CK,PT): A nest of Wallace's Hawk Eagle with one well- grown nestling
22-28 May. From 26 May onwards the young sat outside, but in the vicinity of the
nest.

A nest of Blyth's Hawk Eagle nest was also under observation at Krung
Ching during 25-28 May. The adult sat on the nest throughout suggesting that it
was still incubating

Late Records

Doi Phu Kha, Nan Province(ST)The sum total of Beautiful
Nuthatches recordedin the past winter (partly referred to in a
previous issue) may be as many as twelve different birds: nine at three separate
locations on Doi Dong Ya Wai, 25-26 January; a single on Doi Phu Fa on 12-13
February and two more on the summit of Doi Phu Kha itself on 18 February. There
were thirteen Fire-capped Tits on Doi Dong Ya Wai, 13-14 March.

Thai and Malaysian Poachers Target Nicobar and Pied Imperial Pigeons

The Nicobar and Pied Imperial Pigeons are endangered species which frequent
islands off Terengganu (Malaysia). But perhaps not for much longer. Poachers,
from Malaysia and Thailand, have them in their sights, for the birds are reputed
to have medicinal qualities. With the help of locals on their payroll to act as
informers, the poachers are having a field day cutting down the population of
these migratory birds, which visit islands such as Pulau Redang,Pulau Perhentian
and Pulau Rawa from May to November every year.

"Their numbers are dwindling day-by-day due to poaching," said a worried
state Wildlife Protection and National Parks Department director Rozidan Md
Yasin.

The World Conservation Union has placed both species of pigeon, which come
from small islands in the Indian Ocean, on its endangered list.

Rozidan said the pigeons were protected under Section 64 of the Protection of
Wildlife Act 1976. "Those caught selling or shooting these pigeons can be fined
up to RM6,000 and jailed three years," he pointed out.

But that has not stopped poachers killing them and other protected wildlife
on the islands.

Apart from the collusion of some locals, other factors hindering the
department are a lack of manpower and expertise

Rozidan told the New Straits Times today his priority was to monitor poaching
in areas with a high concentration of endangered animals and birds on the
mainland.

"We have only 40 rangers to monitor and protect wildlife such as the
rhinoceros, sun bear, tapir and tiger on the mainland where poaching is
conducted aggressively.

"We do conduct raids on islands when there are tip-offs, but our rangers are
often left in the cold as poachers have informers," he added.

Renewed fears for forests as government promotes rubber and oil-palm

The "business at all costs" approach of the government may lead to a further
onslaught on Thai forests as increased demand for rubber, and palm-oil, for
"bio-diesel", is causing authorities to promote planting of both crops without
adopting any additional environmental safeguards.

Even retired civil servants are seeking to buy cheap land in Thailand's
north-east in order to capitalize on the new rubber boom. This will almost
certainly mean that they will end up illegally buying National Reserve Forest
Land, fuelling a new round of forest destruction. New forest clearance for
rubber plantations in Pakchom District of Loei, and an adjacent parts of Nong
Khai was documented in The Nation newspaper of 11 May

Meanwhile Environment Minister Yongyuth Tiyapairat has announced that the
National Parks Department and the Royal Forest Department, separated as two
discrete agencies as recently as 2002, could again be re-united "in order to
improve forest protection". Perhaps Mr Yongyuth has a very short memory? The
Royal Forest Department had over 100 years as the sole agency concerned with the
conservation of Thailand's forests, and during that period it conspicuously
failed to distinguish itself in the field of forest protection. On the contrary,
it presided over an approximately 80% reduction in forest area, largely
concerning itself with maximizing revenues from timber extraction. Could it be
that the keen-ness of the old RFD 'rump' to reunite with National Parks has more
to do with its desire to share in the increasing revenues for tourism—the main
income-generating activity from forests since logging was banned in 1989—than it
does with improving forest protection?

The Marine Department is continuing construction of its 160-million baht plus
"anti-erosion project" on the Laem Phak Bia sandspit. There are now three dams
or barrages parallel with the shore, and two breakwaters or groynes
perpendicular to the shore. A boulder embankment of approximately one-km length
has additionally been built along the shoreline northwards from Chao Samran
Beach to the base of the sandspit, and a further large expanse of boulders piled
as a permanent flat expanse near the point, on what used to be sand-beach. The
department is dredging up sand off the sandspit, and has piled it in a huge heap
on the tip of the point. From here it is being transported by the truckload back
to the concrete salas, and compacted, so as to prevent these expensive and
ill-advisedly erected structures, built as recently as 2000, from being
undermined by the sea.

There are still a few pairs of Malaysian Plovers on the point, but none have
been able to nest successfully owing to disturbance. Not a shred of beach
vegetation remains anywhere on the sandspit, which is now scored with
track-marks from trucks and back-hoes. The point is far too disturbed to support
any roosting flocks of terns or waders, and the terns are now roosting on new
sandbanks, which have arisen in the bay, in an area which was previously
mudflats and formerly inundated at high-tide, and which may now be the first
unpredicted, unpredictable, and undesired consequence of the Laem Phak Bia
construction.

As a result of BCST's vociferous and informed protest, the Marine Department
and Laem Phak Bia Tambol Administrative Organization (TAO) were forced to hold a
meeting to discuss the project's impact, in December 2004. Only very junior
officers from the Office of Natural Resources, Environmental Policy and Planning
(ONEP) and Department of Marine and Coastal Resource Conservation (DMCR), the
two agencies most concerned with wetlands conservation, attended the meeting;
there was no senior Marine Department figure; and no official minutes of the
meeting have since been produced. Neither ONEP nor DMCR appears to have done
anything other than utter platitudes since then, while the Marine Department has
failed to respond to BCST's repeated requests for further information.

At present, government agencies are permitted to undertake anti-erosion
projects without conducting any environmental assessment. Even though this legal
protection is at present lacking, ONEP and DMCR should at least be working with
the Marine Department and with the TAO to make sure some safeguards and
accountability are built in to the present project. As it is, they appear to be
neglecting their mandatory responsibility for the conservation of Laem Phak Bia.

BCST is concerned as to how, if ever, Laem Phak Bia will be restored to some
semblance of its original condition. Although we have been verbally assured (not
by any government agency, but by a representative of the engineering company
that is carrying out the work) that no change in land-use is planned, BCST is
concerned that Phetchaburi Province and the TAO may, in fact, be planning to
construct a permanent road and perhaps other tourist facilities on the point
that would utterly destroy the character of this precious and unique site.

RECENT REPORTS
March - early April 2005

An adult Malayan Night Heron was seen at Khao Nor Chuchi (Krabi) on 18
March (ST) and a male Schrenck's Bittern at Hat Yai Water Treatment Plat
(Songkhla) on 21 March (ST). A single Black Baza flew over suburban Soi
Rom Sai, Nong Khaem, (Bangkok) on 12 March (PDR), 10 passed over Khao Yai on 20
March (CT), and 50 were seen soaring over Ban Bua Thong (Nonthaburi) on 28 March
(RT per KS). An adult male Japanese Sparrowhawk appeared at Ban
Rachapruek, Nong Khaem, Bangkok on 12 March (PDR) while a male Chinese
Sparrowhawk at Mosingto, Khao Yai picked up dead near the workers' quarters
on 2 April (AJP, PDR, PW) had apparently been shot. This appears to be the first
undoubted record for the park. A single Greater Spotted Eagle, a male
Common Kestrel and a Peregrine Falcon were reported from Wat Khao
Takhrao (Phetchaburi) on 10 March (CT); two juvenile Greater Spotted Eagles
were still present at Ban Bang Jaak, Phetchaburi on 2 April, and a single
Grey-faced Buzzard was also seen (CK). A migrant race Peregrine Falcon
was present on the Khok Kham salt pans on 6 April (CK).

An Oriental Hobby was seen at Khao Khanab Nam (Krabi) on 5 March (ST).
An adult Hodgson's Hawk Cuckoo that appeared in a small patch of lowland
woodland at Saraphi (Chiang Mai) on 12 March (ISR) was presumed to be a migrant.

Records of a single Spoon-billed Sandpiper were received from Khok
Kham on 11 March (KB,RH,GH), 12 March (PE) and 26 March (CK,SM). Seven
Spoon-billed Sandpipers at Pak Thale on 12 March (PE) "on a beach pool with
mangroves" at high tide on 12 March (JE,RHu et al.) is the largest count
at Pak Thale this winter, and also the first sighting away from the usual
out-of-use salt pans where all other sightings have been made. One was also seen
on 16 March (JE,RHu). Back at Khok Kham there were 12 breeding plumage Red
Knots on 12 March (PE); at least 100 Great Knots on 17 March (JE,RHu)
and more than 200 Great Knots and 50 Red Knots on 26 March
(KS,SM,MW). Single Long-billed Dowitchers were again seen at Khok Kham on
16 March (PS), 17 March (JE,RHu), and 26 March (SK, SM, NT, MW). Are these
sightings at intervals (including that reported in the previous issue on 8
March) referrable to a single individual or does it indicate that there is a
small passage through the site? Three Asian Dowitchers were reported from
Khok Kham on March 17 (JE,RHu, et al.) and eight on 26 March (CK,SM),
with two Red-necked Phalaropes on 12 March (KB, CG,RH, GH) and one on 26
March (KS, SM,MW). A single Nordmann's Greenshank (KS,SM,MW), two
TerekSandpipers (KS,SM,MW) and a Ruddy Turnstone (CK,SM) were
found at Khok Kham on 26 March. Four Pied Avocets were seen at Pak Thale
on 12 March (KB, CG, RH, GH,) and 16 March (JE,RHu, et al.).

Five Pomarine Jaegers were seen on the boat crossing to Ko Surin
(Phang-nga) on 3 and 7 March (JR), and three on the boat crossing from Surat
Thani to Ko Samui (Surat Thani) in 2 April (JR). One Parasitic Jaeger was
seen between the mainland and Ko Surin on 3 March (JR).

There were two Heuglin's Gulls and one adult non-breeding Pallas's
Gull at Laem Phak Bia on 12 Mar (SR, STh); two first -winter Pallas's
Gulls and 20 Heuglin's Gulls on 21 March (PDR,KS,CT).

Chestnut-winged Cuckoos were seen at Khao Yai (Mo-singto on 18 March
and the TAT grassland on 23 March; AJP); at Kaeng Krachan (Ban Krang) on 18
March (KB,CG,RH,GH); and 24 March (heard calling: UT) and the park headquarters
on 25March (UT). Many Oriental Cuckoos were said to be
passing through Ban Krang on 24 March, including some calling (UT). Indian
Cuckoo was also calling on the latter date. White-fronted Scops Owls,
both those seen and heard, were reported by many observers from Ban Krang during
13 March-24 March.

No fewer than 60 Plain-pouched Hornbills flew over the Karen village
of Ban Kareng Kru Bo, Umphang District (Tak) on 28 March 2005 (DP per
WS).

A female Giant Pitta was again seen, and another heard at Ban Krang,
Kaeng Krachan on 15 March (JE,RHu, et al.).A pair was seen
bathing in the streamat the same site by one lucky observer on 3 April
(BL).A Crow-billed Drongo was seen at Mo-singto, Khao Yai on 3
April (PDR)., and a male Siberian Thrush on 31 March (AJP) when unusually
many Eyebrowed Thrushes were present. Two Orange-headed Thrushes
still present at Khao Nor Chuchi on 19 March (ST).

A male Mugimaki Flycatcher was seen at the Orchid Waterfall, Khao Yai
22 March (AJP) and a male elisae"Green-backed" Flycatcher at Khao
Nor Chuchi on 6 March (ST). A possible male Fujian Niltava was reported
fromDoi Ang Khang on 3 March (STh). A Chestnut-headed Tesia at
Doi Dong Ya Wai, Doi Phu Kha National Park (Nan) 1895 m, on 13 March (ST), is a
new locality record.

Doi Khang Hor, Lesser Shortwing, 21 January; three Yellow-bellied
Flowerpeckers, 22 January. A reported flock of White-headed Bulbuls
at the Doi Phu Kha park headquarters on 23 January seems well out of range.

Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanchanaburi Province (ST):
Grey-sided Thrush, 5, Doi Khao Yai, 26 February. Two Yellow-vented
Warblers, 28 February; Pygmy Wren Babbler, Doi Khao Yai on 26
February is a new locality record. The only other site in the western forest
complex from which the species has previously been recorded is Doi Kajela,
Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Work of BCST Records Committee is supported by Swarovski Optik KG.

RECENT REPORTS
January & February 2005

Four Great Crested Grebes were seen at Nong Bong Kai, Chiang Saen
(Chiang Rai) on 28 February (MMe, ISR). A Streaked Shearwater, picked up
by hand on Bang Pu Pier (Samut Prakan) on the evening or night of 27 February
(WWF per JWKP), was the most exciting record received this month. The
bird was taken into care. There was an OrientalDarter on a pond
near Wat Khao Takhrao (Phetchaburi) on 16 February (MDR and WoS). A Chinese
Egret was reported from Laem Phak Bia on 13 February (SK, SM,PSri). A single
Painted Stork was present on the Lam Takhong Reservoir (Nakhon
Ratchasima) on 19 February (MM) and there were five at Rangsit on 7 February
(Wings). Three Black-headed Ibises were seen at Thung Kha (Chumphon) on
22 January (CK, CN, STh, CT).

A count of ducks at Bung Boraphet on 9 January included two Common Teals,
one Northern Shoveler, 2 Common Pochards, 10 Ferruginous Ducks
and 6 TuftedDucks (SK, SM). One or more Gadwall was still
present at Nong Bong Kai, where reported last month, on 23 February (SS, per
KS). Numbers of ducks at various sites in Isan (NE Thailand) covered by MM
during 19-22 February were rather small, numbering in tens only of most species
other than Lesser Whistling Ducks. There were seven Spot-billed Ducks
at Nong Han Kumpawapi (Udon Thani) on 21 February (MM); five Tufted Ducks
and c. 200 Cotton Pygmy-geese at Nong Lahan (Chaiyaphum) on 20 February
(MM) and another 50 Cotton Pygmy-geese at Nong Waeng, Khon Sawan
(Chaiyaphum) on the same date (MM).

A single Japanese Sparrowhawk flew north over Na Thung Subdistrict
(Muang, Chumphon) on 1 February (CN). An adult Japanese Sparrowhawk was
seen at KU Kamphaengsaen Campus (Nakhon Pathom) on 11 February (KS).

A number of Aquila eagles were watched in paddies near Ban Bang Jaak,
Muang District, Phetchaburi from at least 9 February onwards to 27 February.
These included up to four Greater Spotted Eagles, a subadult and a
juvenile Steppe Eagle, and four different Imperial Eagles (an
adult, a subadult and two juveniles (CK,KS,SS,TS). Two juvenile Imperial
Eagles and four Greater Spotted Eagles were reported at the same site
on 5-6 March (CK). A juvenile Imperial Eagle was also reported from Ban
Sam Yarm, Mae Tha (Lampang) on 6 March (NI, per KS). At least one
juvenile Imperial Eagle and two Greater Spotted Eagles were still present
on 9 March (TS). Of great concern is the fact that both Greater Spotted
Eagles were feeding on dead Lesser Whistling-ducks said to have been
poisoned by rice-farmers (TS).

Two Greater Spotted Eagles were also found in Chaiyaphum Province,
near Ban Kut Lalom, 7 km south of Chaiyaphum town: an immature on 19 February
and an adult on 22 February (MM). A dark morph Booted Eagle was
photographed near Phetchaburi on 6 March (CK). Single, apparently wintering,
Grey-faced Buzzards were reported from Doi Ang Khang (Chiang Mai) on 18
February (Wings) and Ban Kut Lalom on 22 February (MM). Nine Grey-faced
Buzzards at Ban Bang Jaak on 27 February (CN), could herald the early
commencement of return passage. Common Kestrels were reported from KU
Kamphaengsaen on 9 Feb (KS) and Ban Bang Jaak (two) on 27 February (CN, PDR) and
5-6 March (CK et al.).

Four Hume's Pheasants were seen on Doi Chiang Dao (Chiang Mai) during
17-20 February (SM, MP, SW, et al.). A Black-tailed Crake was
heard at a new locality, the Mae Puh Valley of Doi Ang Khang on 19 February
(Wings). Five White-browed Crakes were seen at Nong Lahan on 20 February
(MM). No fewer than 670 Common Coots were counted at Nong Lahan on 20
February (MM). Fields near Kamphaengsaen (Nakhon Pathom) produced 23
Grey-headed Lapwings and 100 Pacific Golden Plovers on 2 February
(MDR, WoS). Ten Nordmann's Greenshanks were seen at Ko Libong (Trang) on
11 February (SS). Up to 70 Spotted Redshanks and 50 Common Greeshanks
were found on a reservoir 7 km from Khong (Nakhon Ratchasima) on 22 February
(MM). In addition to a single Spoon-billed Sandpiper, 38 Nordmann's
Greenshanks, c. 40 Asian Dowitchers, over 100 Red Knot, 15
Great Knot and an Eastern Curlew were seen at Khok Kham on 6 February
(Wings). Fifteen Sanderlings were counted at Laem Phak Bia on 13 February
(SK, SM,PSri). There were c. 2000 Black-tailedGodwits and a
Pied Avocet on mudflats off the Samut Sakhon Mangrove Research Center on 6
February (Wings). 1500 Black-tailed Godwits were also counted at Bang Pu
on 6 March (KS). A Long-billed Dowitcher was seen at Khok Kham on 8 March
(UT/Fieldguides). At least one of the three Pied Avocets reported last
month from Nong Bong Kai was still present on 23 February (SS, per KS).

The jaeger reported last month at Laem Phak Bia was thought, by KS on 5
February, to be a Parasitic Jaeger rather than a Pomarine Jaeger
as reported. The record is still under evaluation. The jaeger was still present
on 9 February when there were also four Pallas's Gulls, including three
in breeding plumage (PKh per KS). A report of ten Pallas's Gulls, but
only two Heuglin's Gulls, at Laem Phak Bia on 13 February (SK,SM,PSri)
turns the usual ratio of these two species on its head. Two Lesser Crested
Terns, over 800 Common Terns and 8 Roseate Terns were seen on
the crossing from Khura Buri to Mu Ko Surin (Phang-nga) on 26 February (MDR,
WoS). Fifty Pale-cappedPigeons flew out of a roost at Thung Kha
on 22 January (CK, CN, STh, CT). A flock of 17 Speckled Woodpigeons was
seen on Doi Lang (Chiang Mai), at 1900 m, on 27 February (MMe,ISR). Cuckoos
included a Chestnut-winged Cuckoo at Chumphon Province Sports Ground on
15 February (CN, KSuk, SS); an immature or hepatic morph Oriental Cuckoo
fat Ban Bang Jaak (the Phetchaburi eagle site) on 26-27 February (CK, KS); and
two grey morph (presumed) Oriental Cuckoos at Ban Krang, Kaeng Krachan on
8 March (TS). A Rusty-breasted Cuckoo (apparently a first-year male)
photographed at Kaeng Krachan on 1 March (PP, per CK) was a major
northwards range extension for this Sundaic species. Single male Asian
Emerald Cuckoos were seen at Chumphon Provincial Sports Ground on 7 February
(KK,CN) and at Salaya on 5 March (AN,PDR).

An Indian Nightjar was dazzled at night, on the road, outside Tha Ton
(Chiang Mai) on 28 February (MMe,ISR). A Ruddy Kingfisher at Ban Krang,
Kaeng Krachan on 8 March (TS) was a presumed passage migrant. A male
Olive-backed Woodpecker was seen on the way to Thorthip Waterfall, Kaeng
Krachan on 21 Feb (Borderland/UT) and a Crimson-breasted Woodpecker on
Doi Lang, at 1900 m, on 26 February (MMe,ISR).

A female Giant Pitta at Kaeng Krachan on 26 February (CC) was
photographed late afternoon, while coming to drink, on 28 February (CK,TS). A
White-hooded Babbler reported from Km 15, Doi Inthanon (Chiang Mai) on 19
February (PL) was either new for the park or the first record there for a great
many years. A pair of Chestnut-tailed Starlings investigated and entered
the nest-hole of Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker at Kamphaengsaen on 2 February
(MDR,WoS).

Chumphon Province Sports Ground continued to produce an unparalleled variety
of smaller starlings. Twelve Asian Glossy Starlings on 12 February (CN)
was a large count for the site, while the single Red-billed Starling put
in another appearance there on Valentine's Day, 14 February (CN). There
were two male Chestnut-cheeked Starlings on 27 and 31 January , three
males and two females on 1 February (CN), and a single male on 14 February (CN).
Eleven Purple-backed Starlings were counted on 27 January, and as many as
110 on 31st, and 100 on 1 February (CN). Numbers dropped thereafter, seemingly,
with 50 on 7 February (KK, CN) and 12-15 birds thereafter, during 12-15 February
(CN). Two to six Chestnut-tailed Starlings were also present during the
January-February period. A single Rosy Starling was seen on 31 January
and 1 February (CN), and there were 8 on 7 February (CN). Two more Rosy
Starlings at Ban Bang Jaak on 27 February seemed to have followed the finder
(CN) all the way from Chumphon! Another Rosy Starling, at Khura Buri
(Phang-nga) on 26 February, was associating with Common and White-vented Mynas.
A Common Starling was reported near the headquarters of Doi Inthanon on
the weekend of 19-20 February (PS).

Last month's Rufous-tailed Robin remained at the Orchid Waterfall
Campsite until at least 9 February (Wings). A female Bluethroat, reported
from Chumphon Province Sports Ground on 22 January (CK, CN, STh, CT), needs
documentation as it may be the first record for the peninsula. A female
Golden Bush Robin was seen on Doi Lang on 26 February (MMe,ISR), with a
single male Jerdon's Bushchat at 1200 m on Doi Lang, (by the bridge at Km
30) on the same date. Unfortunately much grassy habitat at this site (which held
a Wood Snipe one year ago) had been cleared since the previous year (MMe,ISR).
No Jerdon's Bushchats were found at Tha Ton when it was checked on 28
February, and clearance of tall grass here had also proceeded apace (MMe,ISR).
Two male and one female Jerdon's Bushchats were also reported from Ban
Rong Kla, near Phu Hin Rong Kla (Phitsanuloke) on 13 January (MDR).

Scaly Thrushes were recorded at the Orchid Waterfall Campground, Khao
Yai on 30 January (SM, MP,PoS, et al.); on Doi Pui (chiang Mai) on 12 February
(Wings); the summit of Doi Inthanon on 14 February (Wings) and Doi Ang Khang
(two on 19 February; Wings). Two Orange-headedThrushes at
Bangmark Subdistrict, Muang District (Chumphon) had, by 24 January, been present
for over one month (CN). A flock of ten Grey-sided Thrushes on the summit
of Doi Pui on 12 February fed on the fruits of the shrub Debregeasia
longifolia, and there were two or three on the summit of Doi Inthanon on 14
February (Wings). Another Grey-sided Thrush feeding on the fruits of the
tree Schefflera heptaphylla (Araliaceae) at Mo-singto, Khao Yai on 16
February 2005 (WS) was a new bird for the park (and the first for NE Thailand).
Common Blackbird was reported near the headquarters of Doi Inthanon on
the weekend of 19-20 February (per LBC). Scarcer flycatchers included a
male Mugimaki Flycatcher at the Orchid Waterfall campsite, Khao Yai on 23
January (SM, MP,PoS, etal.); a male Ultramarine Flycatcher
at No Leh, Doi Ang Khang (Borderland/UT) on 1 March, and a female in the forest
edge at 1665m Doi Lang, 27 February (MMe,ISR). Two Chestnut Munias were
seen at Nong Lahan on 20 February (MM), and a male Spot-winged Grosbeak
at 1600 m, Doi Lang on 27 February (MMe,ISR).

Two male Tristram's Buntings, Ban Luang, Doi Ang Khang on 1 March
(Borderland/UT) must have been a beautiful sight. Over 100 Chestnut Buntings
were reported from Doi Chiang Dao on 17-20 February (SM, MP, SW et al.).
Generally speaking, flocks of buntings seem to have been scarce this winter.

RECENT REPORTS
December 2004 - February 2005

There was an Oriental Darter at Laem Phak Bia (Phetchaburi) on 23
January(PD,JL,PDR,GW). Two nests of Painted Storks at Bung
Boraphet (Nakhon Sawan) in mid January, one with four young and one with two
young (KA,BBWRS) in mid January, was a new nesting record for the lake. Four
Black Storks appeared at Huai Talat (Buriram) on the morning of 13 January
(WCD) and another at the Mo-singto Reservoir, Khao Yai, on 21 January (PK,NK). A
single Black-faced Spoonbill put in a brief appearance on mudflats off
the Tachin River mouth at Samut Sakhon Mangrove Study Center on 16 January
(BCST) and again on the afternoon of 22 January (YT, CT). Presumably a different
bird was seen at Laem Phak Bia on 23 January (PD,JL,PDR,GW). A male Common
Shelduck was apparently seen by two North American birders along the road
between Khao Sam Roi Yot and Pranburi on 25 January (per CT).

Three male and one female Mallard on the Kaeng Krachan Reservoir on 28
January (PS) are of uncertain provenance, though seemed wild in their behaviour.
Ten Eurasian Wigeon at Laem Phak Bia on 17 December (JW) was a new record
for the site. Ducks counted at Nong Bong Kai (Chiang Rai) on 22-23 January
included two female and a seeming eclipse male Falcated Duck, two male
Gadwalls, a single Baer's Pochard and a Mandarin Duck (LBC).
20 Baer's Pochard at Nong Lahan (Chaiyaphum) on 20 January (LM) was the
largest number seen anywhere in Thailand for several years. This may have been
the first visit to the important wetland of Nong Lahan within a decade! A single
Baer's Pochard was earlier reported from Huai Talat (Buriram) on 9
December (LM).

Two first-winter Pied Harriers were observed flying to a presumed
roost between Wat Khao Takhrao and Khao Yoi (Phetchaburi) on 23 January
(PD,JL,PDR,GW). A female Western Marsh Harrier was reported from Nong
Bong Kai during the weekend of 22-23 January (LBC). A vulture taken into
captivity in Kraburi (Ranong) sometime in mid to late January was assumed to be
a Himalayan Griffon Vulture (per WN). The was also a report, which still
needs to be confirmed, of a Himalayan Griffon Vulture being caught in
Phang-nga during December and deposited in Songkhla Zoo (per SR).

There were 50 Coot at Nong Lahan on 20 January (LM). Three Pied
Avocets at Nong Bong Kai, 22 January (LBC) was a new site-record. Record
counts of 345 Eurasian Curlew at Pak Thale on 23 January (PD,JL,PDR,GW)
and 800 Great Knot were made at Laem Phak Bia on 23 January
(PD,JL,PDR,GW). There was a single Spoonbilled Sandpiper at Pak Thale on
23 January (PD,JL,PDR,GW) and, remarkably, another on the tip of the Lam Phak
Bia Sandspit on 25 January (STh). There was also a Pomarine Jaeger on the
tip of the Laem Phak Bia Sandspit at that time (STh).

A male Crimson-breasted Woodpecker was seen on Doi Pha Hom Pok during
1-2 January (ST). Further records of Racket-tailed Treepie in Khao Yai
follow on from the sighting, the first for the headquarters area of the park,
reported in the last issue. One was seen in scrub and grassland, a more typical
habitat, near the Training Centre in mid-January (AJP), with two there on 27
January, plus another at the Orchid Waterfall Campground on the same day
(PD,PDR,GW).

Three pairs of Cutias were observed feeding among epiphyte-laden trees
on Doi Pha Hom Pok on 24-25 January (TS). Some amazing photographs of this
scarce and sought-after species resulted!

A first-winter Rufous-tailed Robin photographed at the Orchid
Waterfall campsite, Khao Yai on 18 January (TS), was still present on 28 January
(PD,PE,JL,GW). An Orange-headed Thrush fed on fallen Jamaican cheery
fruits in a garden off Ngamwongwan Road, Tung Song Hong (Bangkok) during
January. It was photographed on 14 January (BM). The adult male Japanese
Thrush at Khao Yai, reported in the previous issue, was still present until
at least 18 January (TS). Another male Common Blackbird was reported,
this time from a bridge over the Nan River, on the main access road to the
headquarters of Sri Nan National Park (Nan), on 16 January (SS,S). A male
Grey-winged Blackbird was seen on Doi Pha Hom Pok on 1 January (ST) and
another photographed at the Doi Ang Khang Campground by PK on 26 January (per
KS). A Grey-sided Thrush was seen on Doi Pha Hom Pok on 31 December (ST).

An Eastern Crowned Leaf Warbler at the Orchid Waterfall Campsite, Khao
Yai, on 28 January (PD, JL,GW) was unexpected, as the species is a very scarce
winterer in the park.

A Baikal Bush Warbler was observed at Khlong Bangkaew, Km 8, Bang
Na-Trad (Samut Prakan) on 11 January (PK,VP). At least one male and one female
or immature Mugimaki Flycatcher were observed at The Orchid waterfall
campsite, Khao Yai on 18 January (TS). Two birds on Doi Pha Hom Pok on 1 January
were claimed as Fujian Niltavas (ST). The record is still being assessed.
There were about 10 Citrine Wagtails at Nong Lahan on 20 January (LM) and
a single at Rangsit (Pathumthani) on 24 January (PD,GW).

The Red-billed Starling at Chumphon was not seen after 16 January
(CN). There were still at least two first-year Rosy Starlings there on 22
January (ChT). Seven different Yellow-bellied Flowerpeckers, apparently
five male and two females, were reported from Doi Pha Hom Pok on 31 December
(ST).

There were two male Black-headedBuntings at Cho Lae, Mae Taeng
(Chiang Mai) on 16 January (RK,LBC). Four juvenile Red Avadavats were
seen with adult males and females at Khlong Bangkaew on 29 January (PK). A male
Collared Grosbeak on Doi Pha Hom Pok on 30 December (ST) was only the
second ever Thai record—the only previous being from the Inthanon summit 19
years ago!